Kicks! Picks | Editor’s choices for things to do in the Myrtle Beach area

July always starts off with a bang with Fourth of July festivities, especially true across the Grand Strand, but there’s no reason the fun can’t continue all month long.

To help visitors and locals alike keep the fun going, Kicks has some special stories planned this month. In this issue, read all about Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach and be sure to check out the cool video online of an alligator-feeding session.

For the rest of July, we’ve decided to do something in honor of Myrtle Beach’s 75th anniversary this year. We’re shining the spotlight on downtown Myrtle Beach, from the attractions to the restaurants to the shopping opportunities.

In the meantime, here’s my list of family-friendly activities for you to choose from all month long. Happy July!

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Gabriel Kelley will be opening for Corey Smith at the House of Blues on July 6 at 8 p.m.

Kelley’s debut album, “It Don’t Come Easy,” is a reflection of Kelley’s life experiences, spanning from his childhood in rural Georgia to his days as a professional songwriter working on Nashville’s Music Row – a career he left behind to create his own brand of authentic music. You can listen to his album on Spotify like I did, especially if you’re looking for some nice and easy tunes with slow beats and a singer with a deep voice that reminds me of Pat Green. Tickets are $18-$28. Visit www.gabrielkelley.com or www.hob.com.

Also at the House of Blues this month, OAR plays July 16 and Hollywood Undead on July 20, though these shows are not as family friendly. OAR’s special guests include Andrew McMahon and Allen Stone; tickets are $34.50-$81. Hollywood Undead plays with Escape the Fate; tickets are $25-$28.

Here’s the Friday “Concerts on the Lawn” lineup. All concerts start at 7 p.m.:

• Elise Testone July 12

• Stirling Bridge July 19

• TruSol July 26

Testone is a former “American Idol” contestant and a Coastal Carolina University graduate.

The gardens are on U.S. 17, between Murrells Inlet and Litchfield Beach, across from Huntington Beach State Park, and most events are free with admission, which lasts seven consecutive days: $14 ages 13-64, $12 ages 65 and older, and $7 ages 4-12. Regular creek cruises will be available for $7 as well. Bring chairs and blankets for performances. Details at 235-6000, 800-849-1931 or www.brookgreen.org.

MYRTLE BEACH

It’s a fiesta at CMSC

The Children’s Museum of South Carolina has family-friendly fun that’s cheap. For $1 per person, attend Family Fun Night on July 19 from 5-7 p.m. Play themed games and activities and explore the museum’s other exhibits, which range from bubbles to fossils, from electricity to sea turtles. The museum is at 2501 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. Call 946-9469 or visit www.cmsckids.org.

MYRTLE BEACH

Bring on the Mustangs

Last but certainly not least, one of my personal favorite events of the summer: Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach is July 15-21. The fun starts July 17 at Myrtle Beach Speedway with Myrtle Beach Autocross and Circle Track Fun Runs all day long, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A Burn-Out Contest follows at 5:30 p.m., and the speedway’s “Wheels of Destruction” Thrill Show is at 7:15. The speedway is off U.S. 501, near the Tanger Outlet center. Call 236-0500 or visit www.myrtlebeachspeedway.com.

The centerpiece of the week is the car show, which will be July 19 at Myrtle Beach mall. Registration for car owners is 9-11 a.m. and judging takes place until 4 p.m. The cruise-in follows on July 20 from noon-6 p.m. at the same location and the awards show is at 3 p.m.